GREAT NEWS: “I’VE MADE UP MY MIND” — Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking Drops Bombshell Decision on Ted Clohesy
Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking has stunned the AFL world after confirming a dramatic and emotional reversal on the future of delisted forward Ted Clohesy, declaring the club will give the 25-year-old “one more opportunity” to finish his career where it began.
Speaking during a candid address at GMHBA Stadium, Hocking revealed that Clohesy will be re-listed for the 2026 AFL season, despite being delisted at the conclusion of 2025 — a move that has reportedly blindsided senior coach Chris Scott and sent shockwaves through the wider football community.
“I’ve made up my mind,” Hocking said. “Ted Clohesy deserves one more opportunity, and we’re going to give it to him.”
Clohesy, who has endured a frustrating three-year spell on Geelong’s list marked by injuries, limited opportunities, and fierce competition for spots, has managed just 12 senior appearances since debuting. Yet Hocking insists the decision goes beyond statistics.
“This is about culture, perseverance, and recognising the human side of football,” he said. “Ted has done everything the club has asked of him. He’s never complained, never wavered, and never stopped believing.”
The announcement reportedly caught coach Chris Scott off guard, with sources indicating the football department had already moved on following Clohesy’s delisting. Scott, however, later fronted media to publicly support the CEO’s call.
“Was I surprised? Yes,” Scott admitted. “But once Steve explained his reasoning, it made sense. Ted has unfinished business, and sometimes the story matters just as much as the scoreboard.”
Under the terms of the decision, Clohesy will return to the Cats for the 2026 season on a short-term deal, with a clear understanding that the year will mark the end of his AFL journey. Club officials have confirmed Clohesy intends to retire as a Geelong player, regardless of how many games he adds to his tally.
For Clohesy, the news was overwhelming.
“I never stopped hoping,” he said. “To pull on the hoops again, even for one more season, means everything. I came to Geelong as a kid, and I want to leave as a Cat.”
The AFL community has been divided, with some questioning the football logic behind the move, while others have praised Geelong for showing loyalty in an era increasingly dominated by list turnover and ruthless decisions.
Former Cats greats have also weighed in, describing the move as “pure Geelong” — a club that values character as highly as performance.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ted Clohesy. Not for how many goals he kicks or games he plays — but for how his story ends.
And now, thanks to one bold decision from Steve Hocking, that ending will be written in blue and white hoops.
GET RELATED CONTENT ON: UTDEVENINGNEWS.CO.UK
About the Author
